Netflix’s series “Wayward,” created by Mae Martin, offers a gripping narrative steeped in mystery, reminiscent of the iconic “Twin Peaks.” This miniseries uncovers the unsettling events in the quiet town of Tall Pines, Vermont, drawing inspiration from Martin’s personal connection to a friend who escaped a “troubled teen institute.”
The storyline revolves around a peculiar school run by a cult-like figure, Evelyn, masterfully portrayed by Toni Collette. Martin steps into the role of Alex, a new police officer in town who quickly senses that not all is as it seems. His instincts lead him to team up with two Canadian teens, Abbie and Leila, played by Sydney Topliffe and Alyvia Alyn Lind, as they seek an escape from the enigmatic school’s grasp.
As the series reaches its conclusion, audiences gain insight into Evelyn’s own past, revealing her motivations rooted in personal trauma and her subsequent partnership with an influential man named Weldon. The institution they form together is heavily embedded in lore focused on erasing generational trauma through a ritual they call the “leap” treatment, involving the use of toad venom as a hallucinogenic tool.
Throughout Wayward, the symbolism of toads repeatedly surfaces, aligning with the show’s motifs of inner reflection and unresolved personal issues. The toads become a metaphor for the psychological journey the characters undergo, as they navigate their past traumas and strive for freedom.
In a compelling climax, the fate of Abbie, Leila, Alex, and Laura becomes the focal point. While Abbie successfully flees Tall Pines, Leila chooses to remain, finding herself drawn into the fold of the institution. Alex’s own storyline intertwines with Evelyn’s as he grapples with the town’s enigmatic hold, culminating in a dramatic confrontation that leaves Evelyn’s fate ambiguous.
The finale leaves viewers with a sense of unease as it touches upon the control and influence wielded by the Tall Pines community. As the town witnesses the birth of a new child, the symbolism becomes increasingly poignant, reflecting the ongoing cycle of trauma and control within the community.
“Wayward” offers a haunting exploration of control, trauma, and the longing for liberation, leaving audiences pondering the blurred lines between reality and the constructs imposed by influential figures. This complex narrative provides ample food for thought, inviting viewers to reflect on the themes of power and personal agency.